Whilst the annual reading of the impropriety of Korach and his followers never gets any easier to understand, there seems to be an unsettling familiarity with his actions. Rashi on the curious phrase used to introduce the narrative, Vayikach and he took, brings the translation of Onklos who employs the following term;  ואתפלג v’etpaleg “he separated himself” from the rest of the community. Pilug to break up, to divide ( in order to conquer). Ominously, a charedi sect that continues to make the headlines through their despicable behavior, proudly call themselves Peleg Yerushalmi, publicizing their primary if not exclusive goal (of Korach too), to divide, spin lies, and bring dissension that desecrates rather than honors God’s name.

As the story develops there appears to be a reciprocal exchange, as the terrifying punishment looms those who are deemed innocent are instructed to separate themselves, God speaks to Moses and Aaron to say…16:21

 הִבָּ֣דְל֔וּ........

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